Catch-22 Chapter 42: Yossarian
Fretful Major Danby is disturbed when Yossarian breaks Colonel Cathcart's deal. The chaplain brings Yossarian the thrilling news that Orr has washed ashore in Sweden after many weeks at sea. Yossarian realizes that Orr fooled everyone! He was not the dumb, apple-cheeked, blundering pilot that he pretended to be. Instead, Orr ingeniously rehearsed his escape with every planned crash-landing. The whore hit him over the head with her shoe in Rome because he paid her to do so! Orr bugged Yossarian about flying with him because he wanted to save Yossarian, too! In a rush of excitement, Yossarian decides to run away. He will save the kid sister in Rome and then join Orr in Sweden. Similarly energized, the chaplain realizes with bursting confidence that he can stand up to his tormentors and endure. The chaplain cheers, "Run away to Sweden, Yossarian. And I'll stay here and persevere. Yes. I'll persevere. I'll nag and badger Colonel Cathcart and Colonel Korn every time I see them. I'm not afraid." Chapter 42, pg. 461 Major Danby warmly cautions Yossarian to stay alert and safe. Just in the nick of time, Yossarian sidesteps a murderous strike from the whore's plunging knife and bolts away.